| Arts the Rives Theatre (ART) will host its annual outdoor summer show this Saturday when Lizzy Ross and Major and the Monbacks share the bill at Shining Star Farm, located at 3838 Barrows Mill Road. Tickets for the concert, which is not part of the ART series pass, will cost $10 in advance and $15 at the entry gate. Advance tickets are available at the Daily Grind coffee shop in uptown Martinsville, as well as Woodall’s Music & Sound in Collinsville. Lizzy Ross has become a Martinsville favorite over the past five years, making four appearances at the Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival to go along with three shows at the Rives Theatre in that span. Her soaring vocals and adept guitar work allow her to perform a variety of genres. More information is available at her website, www.lizzy.net. "Folksy, jazzy, bluesy in all the best senses of those words, it’s like country music the way you wish country music would be rather than the redoubt of pop triflngs it is,” wrote Stephen Markley, of Chicago Redeye. “A voice like cigarettes and the smoothest whiskey you’ve ever tasted." Major and the Monbacks are a nine-piece, Norfolk-based band that combine elements of ‘60s soul, R&B and southern rock. The band, which features a horn section as well as electric guitars, bass, keyboard and drums, has enjoyed its busiest three-month tour on record now that all band members have completed their undergraduate educations. This summer, Major and the Monbacks have performed at Rooster Walk and Floydfest while also appearing at music venues stretching from South Carolina to Vermont. They have played more than 45 concerts since late May, according to their website, www.majorandthemonbacks.wix.com. “The ink on their college diplomas is not dry, but the nine members of Major and the Monbacks are already making a splash in the Central Virginia music scene,” read a March review in Charlottesville’s C-Ville Weekly. “Defying genres, these energetic artists combine Motown, Ska, and Southern rock with the self-proclaimed ‘Eastern Seaboard’s Horniest Horn Section.’ Their songs are pure celebration, a tribute to the days when a soulful tune and a willing voice were all that was needed for a good time.” Gates at Shining Star Farm will open to the public at 6 p.m. Saturday, with Lizzy Ross’ performance beginning around 7 p.m. Major and the Monbacks will follow upon the completion of Ross’ set. In the event of inclement weather, both bands will perform at the Rives Theatre located on 215 E. Church Street. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket to the venue. No outside alcohol is allowed. Food vendors (wood-fired pizza, hot dogs) will be at the show, as will beer, wine and soft drinks. For more information, visit www.rivestheatre.com. | 